Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Tuesday morning.
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
_____
CSPD partners with outside agency for in-depth use of force assessment
The death of George Floyd sparked a national conversation about police use of force. But before last summer, the Colorado Springs Police Department was already looking to learn more about their own policies, from an outside agency. Commander Sean Mandel has worked with the department for almost three decades. He said the conversations about the use of force study began near the end of 2019.
_____
Colorado's 70 and older citizens eligible, but COVID-19 vaccine not yet available
Senior citizens in southern Colorado have heard they are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, but what many have overlooked is they can get it only when enough doses are available. Some senior citizens in Pueblo got in line at a drive-through vaccination clinic for healthcare workers and first responders Monday. It was at a local fire station and organizers had to turn them away.
_____
Very windy and warm day followed by a very cold and breezy night
We have an active weather day coming our way with temperatures in the 50s and 60s during the afternoon and wind gusts ranging from 30 to 50 mph. Downslope flow out of the west and northwest will push highs into the 50s and 60s before a cold front sends temperatures down into the teens and 20s overnight.
_____
Local restaurants react as indoor dining comes back amid COVID-19 pandemic
Many counties moved to Level Orange Monday, including El Paso and Pueblo counties, which brought back indoor dining at restaurants with a limited capacity. The Hangar Bar and Grill is one of many restaurants that has struggled during the Level Red phase. The restaurant had to cut-back their hours to only weekends to make up for the lack of income. Co-owner Shawn Valencia says there was even a point in time during the pandemic where she was worried the Hangar would close permanently.
_____
Polls open in Georgia runoff elections that will determine control of US Senate for next 2 years
Control of the U.S. Senate for the next two years will be determined today as Georgians hit the polls for two crucial Senate runoff elections. Polls opened for the runoff elections at 7 a.m. ET in Georgia. As it stands, the Republican Senate caucus holds a 50-48 edge over the Democrat caucus. However, if the two Democrat candidates — Jon Ossoff and Rapael Warnock — prevail over their Republican rivals, Democrats would hold the advantage thanks to the tie-break vote held by vice president-elect Kamala Harris.
_____
Don't forget to follow us on social media:
KOAA Facebook / KOAA Twitter / KOAA_5 Instagram
